Danial went home after all the ordeal he went through. He was very tired. He didn't understand why he would get tired so easily when he was a minor realm higher in cultivation than Victor. He thought about it for a moment and gave up the idea. He didn't know much anything about cultivation and the actual cultivation world.
When Danial entered his home, he saw Natasha cleaning the dishes, he went up to her and asked her " What are you doing so late?"
Natasha jerked and almost jumped at the sound of Danial's voice behind her, her heart pounding with surprise. Quickly regaining her composure, she turned back to face him, relief flooding her features as she realized it was only Danial.
"Master Danial, you almost scared me to death," Natasha exclaimed.
Danial couldn't help but chuckle at Natasha's reaction "What, I thought you were well-trained in the arts of assassination, and this scared you?" he teased, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes.
Blushing furiously at Danial's teasing, Natasha felt a surge of embarrassment wash over her. "Well, I wasn't exactly concentrating and was relaxed for a while," she admitted sheepishly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Danial's laughter filled the room, the sound warm and genuine. "Haha, I never thought I would see this side of you," he remarked, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Feeling even more embarrassed by Danial's teasing, Natasha pleaded, "Please stop teasing me, Master Danial."
Danial, noticing her discomfort, waved his hand dismissively. "I was joking, and yeah, don't call me Master. Just call me by my name," he insisted, trying to ease her unease. Natasha nodded, her face still tinged with red.
Nodding in agreement, Natasha took a moment to compose herself, her face still flushed with embarrassment. "Of course, Danial," she replied, her voice soft.
Danial glanced around the room Danial asked "Where is my mother?"
"She is soundly sleeping in her quarters," Natasha replied.
Yawning, Danial stretched his arms and declared, "I will be heading to bed." The fatigue in his voice was palpable, and his eyes drooped with the heaviness of the night's events. As Danial settled into his bed, exhaustion washed over him like a tidal wave, Despite his mind still buzzing with questions and uncertainties, his body demanded rest, and he surrendered to its call without hesitation.
Meanwhile, in the Capital City, inside a luxurious mansion that emanated an air of opulence, an old man sat in a quiet office. Positioned facing a French window that offered a breathtaking view of the city, he exuded an aura of authority and power. Behind him, a mahogany desk, seemingly ordinary but worth a staggering ten million dollars, hinted at the man's influential status.
Suddenly, a shadow flickered across the room, and several figures materialized behind the desk, kneeling in silent reverence. The old man remained unmoved, his focus unwavering as he awaited their report.
After what seemed like an eternity of tense silence, the old man spoke, his voice resonating with authority that brooked no dissent. "Speak," he commanded, his tone carrying the weight of unquestionable power.
The black-robed figure at the forefront of the group bowed respectfully before delivering their message. "Sir, we have spoken with the young master, but he has refused to return. He stated that he will only come back once you fulfill his mother's request," the figure reported, their voice laced with deference.
The old man's expression remained impassive, betraying none of the emotions roiling beneath the surface. The atmosphere in the room grew heavy with anticipation as the black-robed figures awaited his response.
"So be it," the old man declared in a voice as slow and deliberate as the shifting of tectonic plates. Though his words were spoken softly, they carried the weight of absolute authority, sending a shiver down the spines of those present.
The black-robed figures exchanged uneasy glances, acutely aware that the old man's decree had sealed the fate of the Hale Family. His decision was final, his will unyielding, and they dared not question the consequences that would inevitably follow.
With a subtle nod from the old man, the black-robed figures dispersed, vanishing into the shadows from whence they came. Left alone once more, the old man returned his gaze to the city below, his mind consumed with thoughts of the future and the inevitable clash that loomed on the horizon.
The next morning, Danial woke up feeling surprisingly refreshed and energized. Stretching his arms and letting out a contented yawn, he felt a sense of rejuvenation that defied the fatigue from the previous night's ordeal. The weight that had pressed on his shoulders seemed to have lifted, leaving him with a newfound vigor.
Eager to start the day, Danial descended to the ground floor and found Natasha assisting Sofia in the kitchen. The aroma of breakfast filled the air, making his stomach grumble with hunger. He approached the table and took a seat, ready to indulge in the morning meal.
Sofia noticed her son's arrival and greeted him with a warm smile, "Good morning, sleepyhead."
"Good morning, Mom," Danial replied, reciprocating the smile. Natasha, too, greeted him, adding to the welcoming atmosphere.
As Sofia served Danial some breakfast, concern etched on her face, she inquired, "Danial, where were you last night? You came home late and seemed so tired."
Danial looked at his mother, debating whether to share the details of the chaotic night. Deciding to keep it light, he responded, "You know, Mom, the partying and the talking just made me tired."
Sofia, with a gentle expression, placed her hand on Danial's head and said, "Don't overdo it, okay?" Danial nodded, a spoonful of food in his mouth.
Just as he was settling into breakfast, Danial's phone began to ring. Glancing at the caller ID, he saw that Agent Thompson was calling. Excusing himself from the table, Danial quickly changed into more suitable attire and bid farewell to his mother and Natasha.
Sofia asked with a concerned tone, "Where are you going?" Danial replied, "One of my friends called, and he needs some help." Sofia nodded, understanding waved him off, saying, "Take care of yourself."
Danial made his way to the familiar café where he had previously met Agent Thompson. Upon arrival, he took the elevator and scanned his card onto a hidden scanner. The elevator journeyed through multiple directions until he reached the Law Enforcement Branch Headquarters.
He exited the elevator and found Agent Thompson waiting for him. He hopped off the elevator and went straight to Agent Thompson.
"Agent Thompson," Danial greeted as soon as he reached him.
Agent Thompson nodded his head in acknowledgment and offered a reassuring pat on Danial's back. "I have never seen someone who could tackle such a situation so easily. You did a great job," he commended, his voice filled with genuine admiration.
Danial couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at the agent's praise. "Yes, sir, I am always ready for some action," he replied, his confidence shining through.
Agent Thompson raised an eyebrow, his gaze probing. "You've got a lot of confidence, and you seemed to enjoy yesterday's events," he remarked, noting Danial's demeanor.
Danial's expression faltered slightly as he realized the implication of Agent Thompson's words. Hastily, he waved his hands in denial. "N-No, sir, I didn't enjoy... What I meant to say is..."
Before Danial could finish his explanation, Agent Thompson interrupted him with a hearty laugh. "I was joking, don't take it to heart, young man," he reassured, his tone lightening the mood.
Relieved, Danial let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. "Sir, you can't keep doing that," he said, a hint of exasperation in his voice.
Agent Thompson chuckled, his laughter infectious. "No worries, but no promises. Now, follow me, we have a lot to do," he instructed, gesturing for Danial to accompany him.
Danial followed Agent Thompson through the bustling corridors of the Law Enforcement Branch Headquarters, his footsteps echoing against the polished floors.
Finally, they arrived at the hall where Danial had first met the Special Ops member. Several members were already gathered, their presence imposing yet reassuring. As Agent Thompson entered, a wave of respectful greetings washed over him from the assembled team.
Danial noticed a mix of gazes directed his way — some filled with admiration and respect, while others brimmed with thinly veiled animosity. Ignoring the undercurrent of tension, Danial walked behind Agent Thompson, his demeanor composed and focused.
Ahead, Lieutenant Andrews stood, his authoritative presence commanding attention. Danial hurried over to him, eager to exchange words with the seasoned officer.
"Lieutenant Andrews," Danial greeted with a respectful nod.
Lieutenant Andrews returned the gesture, clasping Danial's arm in a firm handshake. "You did a great job last night. I can't stop thinking about it," he praised, his voice laced with genuine admiration.
Danial accepted the compliment with humility, his gratitude evident in his response. "Lieutenant Andrews, I wouldn't have succeeded if it wasn't for your help," he admitted sincerely.
The lieutenant chuckled, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "That's the spirit," he commended, his tone warm and encouraging.
As they engaged in conversation, Danial's attention was suddenly diverted by the arrival of Alex, a fellow member of the Special Ops team. His demeanor oozed sarcasm as he addressed Danial.
"Oh, wow, Danial, you've done a great job. A job any normal member of the Special Ops team could do easily," Alex remarked sarcastically, his tone dripping with condescension.
Danial frowned at the barbed remark, his gaze narrowing as he turned to face Alex. "What do you want, Alex?" he retorted, his voice tinged with annoyance.
Alex smirked, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "I am praising you, Danial, for your hard work. What do you mean, what I want? I wonder who did all the work and you stole his credit," he taunted, his words laced with malice.
Danial's jaw clenched in frustration at the thinly veiled accusation. "I did what I was able to do," he stated firmly.
Alex laughed derisively, his smirk widening. "If that's what you're capable of, then you should not be here. You should be in a convenience store handling small gangsters," he jeered, his tone dripping with contempt.
Danial bristled at the insult, his temper flaring. "Watch your words, Alex," he warned.
Before the tension could escalate further, Agent Thompson intervened, his authoritative voice cutting through the rising animosity. "Enough," he commanded, his tone brooking no argument. "We have a mission to focus on. Save your grievances for another time."
As Alex grumbled and begrudgingly took his seat, Danial settled beside Lieutenant Andrews.
The atmosphere shifted as Marshal Barns, a high-ranking officer in the Law Enforcement Branch, entered the room. Instantly, every member stood up in respect. Marshal Barns acknowledged the gesture and waved his hand, signaling for everyone to ease back into their seats.
Once settled, the room was hushed as all eyes turned to Marshal Barns. He nodded in acknowledgment before directing Agent Thompson to proceed with the presentation. The projector flickered to life, displaying images of a stone entrance adorned with ancient engravings.
"This is the newly discovered entrance of an ancient ruin," Marshal Barns began, his tone grave yet tinged with excitement. "We believe this was once the tomb of a prominent figure, though we have yet to ascertain their identity. However, speculation suggests it may be the final resting place of the legendary swordsman Cyrus West, also known as the Right-hand General of Prince Egon. We discovered this ruin near a city called Frostlake. The door is an the base of a mountain called the Atlas peak."
The revelation sent a ripple of murmurs and whispers echoing through the hall, each member grappling with the magnitude of the discovery.
However, amidst the buzz of excitement and speculation, Danial couldn't help but feel a pang of embarrassment at his lack of knowledge. Sensing his unease, Lieutenant Andrews glanced at him with a knowing expression.
"You don't know anything about it, do you?" Lieutenant Andrews whispered.
Danial, feeling a bit embarrassed, nodded in acknowledgment. Andrews sighed and offered a brief reassurance, "It's a very long story. I'll fill you in later."
Marshal Barns cleared his throat, commanding attention once more as he continued his briefing. "We discovered this ruin a month ago, but we were unable to enter due to certain restrictions," he explained, his voice carrying a hint of frustration.
A voice from the crowd piped up, Why were you not able to enter? Can't you just break the door down and enter easily?" the individual inquired, prompting murmurs of agreement from others in the room.
Marshal Barns shook his head, his expression solemn. "It's not that simple," he replied gravely. "The entire ruin is protected by a well-made arcane array. This array gauges the cultivation level of whoever attempts to pass through. In this case, no cultivator above the Master Level cultivation can enter. Only those at the mortal-level cultivation are allowed access."
Marshal Barns continued "However, the president of the Headquarters has made a decision. All talented cultivators and members of the Law Enforcement Organization will be selected and given the opportunity to enter the ruin."
Danial watched the scene unfold with a sense of detachment, unable to fully grasp the significance of the upcoming expedition. To him, the ruin appeared as nothing more than a decrepit structure, devoid of any real significance.
As he pondered Marshal Barns' mention of the arcane array, Danial couldn't shake the feeling of unease gnawing at the edges of his mind. What did it mean for cultivators to be restricted from entering based on their cultivation level? And what exactly was an arcane array?
As Marshal Barns continued his briefing, Danial listened intently, his mind swirling with newfound information and conflicting emotions. "Other organizations also saw the significance of the ancient ruin," Marshal Barns announced, "and they will also be sending their best candidates to participate. Along with that, The Blue Lotus, The Sun Lion, and the Bright Light Academy will also be sending their best students to participate as well."
Danial's heart skipped a beat at the mention of the Bright Light Academy. He was torn between his loyalty to the Special Ops team and his obligations as a student of the academy. He knew his identity would be exposed if he went with the Special ops team.
Lost in his thoughts, Danial barely registered Marshal Barns' next words. "Before ending this meeting," Marshal Barns continued, "I would like to talk about yesterday's event. There was a situation where several rogue martial artists hijacked the hotel. But due to Danial and the cooperation of the owner of the hotel, the situation was handled, and the criminals were arrested as well as their leader."
A swell of pride surged through Danial as Marshal Barns commended his actions. He couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment at the acknowledgment of his efforts, despite his initial doubts and uncertainties.
The Only sour person was Alex he grumbled and muttered "He was lucky, that's all," Alex muttered bitterly. "Who does he think he is, coming unannounced and taking all the fame?"
As the meeting concluded, Marshal Barns motioned for Danial to follow him into his office. Danial obliged.
Entering the office, Danial found himself enveloped in an atmosphere of quiet authority. Marshal Barns settled behind his desk, gesturing for Danial to take a seat opposite him. Agent Thompson also arrived and took a seat as well.
"Danial," Marshal Barns began, "I must commend you on your performance yesterday. You displayed remarkable skill and courage in handling the situation at the hotel."
Danial shifted uncomfortably in his seat, unused to such praise from someone of Marshal Barns' stature. "Thank you, sir," he replied, his voice tinged with humility. "I was just doing my duty."
Marshal Barns nodded, his expression thoughtful. "You may see it as just doing your duty, but not everyone possesses the ability to remain calm and composed in the face of danger," he remarked. "Your quick thinking and decisive actions saved lives and prevented a potentially catastrophic situation."
Danial nodded and asked changing the topic " Sir whats what's the ruin and why is everyone so excited to enter and learn about it? And what exactly is an arcane array? Is it advanced technology?" Marshal Barns raised an eyebrow and asked " You don't know about Prince Egon and Cyrus West.?"
Danial nodded in response to Marshal Barns' question, his mind racing to come up with a plausible explanation for his lack of knowledge about Prince Egon and Cyrus West.
As Marshal Barns raised an eyebrow in disbelief, Danial felt a bead of sweat form on his forehead. He couldn't afford to arouse suspicion, especially regarding his supposed master. Thinking quickly, he replied, "My master believed in focusing solely on cultivating martial arts skills. He often emphasized the importance of honing one's abilities without distractions from external knowledge."
Marshal Barns regarded Danial with a scrutinizing gaze, weighing his words carefully. "Interesting," he mused, his tone thoughtful. "It's rare to find a master who adopts such a singular approach to training. Most cultivators value knowledge of history and legends as much as they do their martial prowess."
Danial nodded in agreement with Marshal Barns' assessment of his supposed master, though inwardly, he couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for fabricating the story. He had never anticipated being put on the spot like this, forced to weave a tale of a mentor he had never known.
"Indeed, my master is a firm believer in the power of cultivation," Danial replied, his voice carefully measured to conceal his discomfort. "He often emphasized the importance of honing one's skills and focusing on personal growth above all else."
Marshal Barns regarded Danial with a keen gaze, his expression unreadable. "Your master's teachings align with the core principles of martial arts," he commented thoughtfully. "It is commendable that you hold such reverence for your mentor's wisdom."
Agent Thompson, who had been listening attentively, interjected, "Well, we can't deny that Danial's master has trained him well. His performance last night speaks for itself."
Marshal Barns nodded in agreement, acknowledging the merit in Agent Thompson's words. "True, true. Your actions were commendable, Danial. Now, regarding the ruins and the excitement surrounding them, let me enlighten you."